Harvard Offer For Rachel

We are delighted to announce a first for Cardinal Newman College! Rachel Greenwood, who is studying A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, has become the first Cardinal Newman student to be offered a place at Harvard University.

The American Ivy League university, which is perhaps the most famous university in the world, has a reputation to match its prestige and Rachel is one of an increasing number of students from Cardinal Newman who have successfully gained places at top American universities over the past few years.

Rachel decided to apply after being approached by an American Hockey Scout, who helps to get top class hockey players into American universities. This opened her eyes to the opportunities available in America to combine competitive hockey at a high level with a degree from a top-class university.

Rachel currently plays for England Under 18 girls’ hockey team after being scouted at the ‘Futures Cup’ as well as playing for the College team here at Newman.

Along with her application, Rachel wrote two essays one about herself and the other on a topic of her choice, which was all supported by her references from College and from the Harvard University Hockey Coach. Rachel also had an interview at the university, which she said was quite informal, as Harvard often bases their offers on the whole person, not just academics.
Rachel will be heading over to the states in the summer for the Harvard Hockey team’s pre-season, so will be out of the country when her A-Level results come out in August. But Rachel says: “Although it is not technically an unconditional offer, I don’t have specific grade requirements, they have just said I need to keep up with a high academic standard.”

During the Hockey season, the sport will be a huge part of Rachel’s life. She will be training alongside her studies most days for the university team as well as matches against other universities from across the country.

Course options at American universities differ from the UK, so Rachel has yet to choose what subject she will be studying, although she says she is likely to choose Biology as her major.

Congratulations Rachel!